Category: Road Trip

Coeur d’Alene, Centennial Trail, Idaho

Coeur d’Alene, Centennial Trail, Idaho

Journeys with EileenDiane

The 45 mile Centennial Trail stretches from Spokane’s River Front Park to the end of Coeur d’Alene’s Lake Drive. The Coeur d’Alene section is perfect for walking, jogging and stopping at a bench or adjacent park to enjoy the beauty. Continue on the trail to   browse the local shops on Sherman Avenue and discover your perfect spot to enjoy a splendid meal. Check out taking a boat ride on the beautiful lake.

Savor your journeys. Take time to explore.

 

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Near Riverstone Park
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North Idaho College
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Sherman Avenue
Sherman Avenue
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Road Trip ~ Western Washington to Coeur d’Alene and Boise

Road Trip ~ Western Washington to Coeur d’Alene and Boise

Road Trip ~ Western Washington to Coeur d’Alene and Boise

Journeys with EileenDiane

Coeur d’Alene

Last year I did this trip in reverse and it’s very comfortable to return to familiar places. From western Washington take Interstate 90 to Coeur d’Alene, about 30 miles east of Spokane.

I again stayed in the River Front area where there is easy access to the Centennial Trail, the River Front Park, a cute shopping area (with a favorite book store, The Well-Read Moose) and easy access to drive to the town or the I-90 to further explore this gorgeous area. On this journey, I discovered the beautiful Hayden Lake area.

I tried several new places to eat, but returned several times to a favorite, Anthony’s. It’s situated near the pond at Riverfront Park and has a great Happy Hour and dinner menu.

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Drive to Boise

To me, the more scenic route (highways 95 and 55) is the better option than back-tracking and taking the interstates. I stopped in Grangeville for lunch and discovered Crema Café, which I highly recommend. It’s a cute spot with friendly and helpful staff offering a nice breakfast and lunch menu. I had a marvelous latte and quiche and would definitely return when in the area.

There are other places to stop, including Moscow, Hells Canyon National Recreation Area and McCall. I stopped several times to take photos and was very lucky that it was a clear, beautiful day as it is a very windy road.

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Boise

Boise is a neat city to explore, whether for the first time or as a repeat visitor. I went to my favorite spots, including the gorgeous Rose Garden, the Boise River Greenbelt, downtown 8th Street (restaurant row) and Rediscovered Books.

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I love discovering terrific new places to eat and that happened in Boise. The Cottonwood Grille, located on the Greenbelt, is terrific. Excellent menu and customer service and how lovely to sit outside and enjoy the sunshine on a beautiful day. I will definitely return.

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Another day, we went to nearby Meridian, enjoying lunch at The Yard House, located at The Village at Meridian.

I will have several separate photo posts of places mentioned above, once I sort out my many photos of this beautiful area.

On my return, I stayed on Interstate 84 passing the magnificent Columbia River and the Hood River area. It connects to Interstate 5 north, homeward bound. While a bit longer, the scenery is quite beautiful.

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Savor your journeys, discovering new places and re-discovering familiar ones.

Post from last year about Boise and Coeur d’Alene:

Road Trip ~ Western Washington to Boise and Coeur d’Alene

 

Recap ~ Road Trip Western Washington ~ Mt Rushmore

Recap ~ Road Trip Western Washington ~ Mt Rushmore

Journeys with EileenDiane
  • Interstate 90 from Western Washington to Rapid City, South Dakota
    • East bound, stop in Missoula and Billings
    • West bound, stop in Billings, Missoula, Coeur d’Alene
    • Total road trip mileage: 2,713 miles
  • Mountain passes on I-90 include
    • Snoqualmie Pass, Washington, Cascade Range, 3,105 feet
    • Fourth of July Summit, Idaho, Coeur d’Alene Mountains, 3,173 feet
    • Lookout Pass, Idaho-Montana border, Bitterroot Range, 4,710 feet
    • Homestake Pass, Montana, Continental Divide, 6,375 feet
    • Bozeman Pass, Montana, 5,760 feet
  • Montana is truly “Big Sky” country; gorgeous area; friendly people. Highlights include:
    • Missoula ~ great place to explore (good restaurants, parks & book stores)
    • Billings ~ neat area; Gateway to Yellowstone (have to plan another road-trip)
    • Little Big Horn Battlefield and National Monument ~ a must visit
  • Mt Rushmore and the surrounding area are definitely worth the drive
    • Mt Rushmore ~ spectacular, awe-inspiring
    • The Badlands ~ fascinating and mysterious
    • South Dakota Air & Space Museum ~ a must see museum
  • Coeur d’Alene, Idaho ~ a favorite spot which I love to re-visit
    • Beautiful scenery, good restaurants and my favorite book store
  • I planned to travel prior to Memorial weekend to avoid summer traffic
    • Encountered snow in Wyoming
    • Be flexible with your travel plans
      • Leave time to explore and perhaps re-arrange itinerary
    • Have fun and savor your journeys
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State Flags
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Air Force 1, flying over Mt Rushmore
US Air Force Thunderbirds at Mt Rushmore
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Afternoon break
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Delicious Pork Chops, Champs, Soda bread
A Moscow Mule
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Marvelous Bailey’s Mousse
on Centennial Trail
Riverstone Park
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Coeur d’Alene, Idaho ~ Photos

Coeur d’Alene, Idaho ~ Photos

Journeys with EileenDiane

The last stop on my road trip to/from western Washington ~ Mt Rushmore is a favorite spot Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Nestled in the mountains of northern Idaho, it’s a neat town to explore. Walk along Centennial Trail, browse the cute shops downtown, visit local parks and take a boat ride on beautiful Lake Coeur d’Alene. Have dinner on the lake, enjoying a gorgeous sunset.

Savor your journeys.

Walking on Centennial Trail
The lake, walking along Centennial Trail
On Centennial Trail, near downtown
on Centennial Trail
Centennial Trail
Centennial Trail, near Riverstone Park
Riverstone Park
Riverstone Park
Riverstone Park
Riverstone Park
Riverstone Park
Riverstone Park
Riverstone Park
Riverstone Park
Johnson Mill River Park
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Johnson Mill River Park
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Near Le Peep Cafe
View from Le Peep Cafe
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Coeur d’Alene, Idaho ~ Photos  — from a previous visit — Enjoy the photos!

Favorite Restaurants ~ Road Trip ~ Western Washington to Mt Rushmore

Favorite Restaurants ~ Road Trip ~ Western Washington to Mt Rushmore

Journeys with EileenDiane

When on a road trip, I prefer to dine close by my hotel, i.e., walking distance. I lucked out as there were several very good restaurants on my recent road trip from Western Washington to Mt Rushmore close to where I was staying. I would definitely go back to each of them.

 

The Stone of Accord, Missoula Montana

An Irish Pub serving fabulous comfort food (including pork chops, meatloaf, fish n chips), soups, salads, desserts (including Guinness Chocolate Cake, Irish White Chocolate Cheesecake). The staff have terrific customer service skills. I highly recommend the Peppercorn Pork Chops (served with delicious champs (best mashed potatoes, with scallions!) and vegetables) and the cheesecake is superb. As expected, there is a terrific bar menu, including Moscow Mule or an Irish Mule. Check out their menu on-line for ideas.

http://thestoneofaccord.com/

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A Moscow Mule
Delicious Pork Chops, Champs, Soda bread

Montana’s Rib and Chop House, Billings Montana

Terrific place for either a quiet dinner or the sports bar area. I chose the latter and enjoyed a fabulous meal (champagne plus a delicious Caesar salad, salmon & baked potato). Great customer service skills. It is a chain (other locations are shown on their web site) and I would highly recommend.

https://ribandchophouse.com/

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Terrific Caesar salad with anchovies
A Vodka Mule
Delicious Salmon & baked potato

Anthony’s at Coeur D’Alene, Idaho

I’ve eaten at Anthony’s prior to this trip and always enjoyed it. This time I ate in the bar area and loved it. The drinks and food are very good, terrific customer service and the view is lovely (overlooking a pond in Riverstone Park). The salmon was excellent as was the marvelous dessert (a Baily’s Mousse). Plus, there were some uninvited guests: ducks had somehow managed to enter. The staff immediately escorted them out and put up a stuffed animal which is supposed to keep the ducks at bay. We all had a hearty laugh and enjoyed the show.

https://www.anthonys.com/restaurants/detail/anthonys-at-coeur-dalene

 

Savor your journeys!

Anthony’s Coeur d’Alene
Uninvited guests
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Checking out the surroundings
where to go?
Time to leave
staff showing ducks how to get back to the pond
Fabulous salmon dinner
Marvelous Bailey’s Mousse
Supposed to scare the ducks
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Addendum: The Well~Read Moose Bookshop, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho

Addendum: The Well~Read Moose Bookshop, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho

Journeys with EileenDiane

The last stop on my road trip (Western Washington to Mt Rushmore) was a favorite spot: Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. I’ve visited several times and each time I enjoy re-visiting favorite places plus discovering new spots to explore.

I visited my favorite bookstore several times. What a great way to start the day: sipping a delicious latte while browsing their marvelous selection of books, cards, coasters, socks, stuffed animals, etc. I always find a book that is intriguing and which I know I will enjoy.

The staff are very friendly and knowledgeable. Visiting this bookstore is like seeing a dear friend after a year’s absence.

A special treat is returning in the afternoon to enjoy a glass of Prosecco while deciding which books to purchase. Could not resist several books and I look forward to my next visit.

Savor your journeys.

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Afternoon break
Look to be great reads
Great coffee, wraps, etc
terrific selections …
super collection of coasters
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Marvelous Coasters ..

Two Favorite Bookstores ~ Idaho

https://www.wellreadmoose.com/

 

Favorite Bookstores: Missoula, Montana

Favorite Bookstores: Missoula, Montana

Journeys with EileenDiane

On my road trip from western Washington to Mt. Rushmore, I stopped in Missoula for several days. I love browsing and supporting local, independent bookstores, and found two bookstores to add to my “favorite bookstore” list.

In addition to a fabulous book selection, Shakespeare & Company has cards, t-shirts, journals and gifts plus very friendly, helpful staff. Check out the “staff picks” for ideas. I bought two books that look fascinating (one a staff pick).

My finds at Shakespears & Co
My finds at Shakespears & Co

As you peruse the titles, you will discover many books to whet your appetite. There is a small sitting area, music playing in the background and it is well worth a visit.

Link http://www.shakespeareandco.com/

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How could I resist “The Guest Cat”
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neat bookmark

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Another terrific independent bookstore to explore is Fact and Fiction. They have a terrific selection in their small shop plus very friendly, knowledgeable staff. Located in the downtown area, they specialize in local authors and will gladly order books for you. I found a mystery by a local author which looks to be a good read.

Both stores also have readings and special events.

Savor your journeys.

https://www.factandfictionbooks.com/

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South Dakota Air & Space Museum – Interior Exhibits

South Dakota Air & Space Museum – Interior Exhibits

Journeys with EileenDiane

While you are exploring the Mt Rushmore / Black Hills / Badlands area, make certain to visit the SD Air & Space Museum. Located next to Ellsworth Air Force Base, this museum is a must see.

Interior exhibits will take you from the early beginnings of aviation to aerospace displays, including “Exploring Mars” information. The fascinating exhibits include The Doolittle Raiders, the Berlin War Memorial, the Korean War, B-1B cockpit display, gorgeous “Earth as Art” photos, photos of aircraft flying near Mt. Rushmore and so much more.

You can easily spend several hours inspecting the outstanding interior and exterior exhibits. Take your time as you walk about to read the descriptions and feel the magnificence of aviation history.

Savor your journeys.

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B-1B Cockpit Display
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Bomb Disposal Suit
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The Doolittle Raiders
The Doolittle Raid
Doolittle Raid info
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Flying over Mt Rushmore
Air Force 1, flying over Mt Rushmore
US Air Force Thunderbirds at Mt Rushmore
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B-52 Stratofortress over Mt Rushmore
Flying over Mt. Rushmore
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1919 US Army Air Services
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Berlin Wall Memorial ~ Pres Kennedy
Berlin Wall Memorial ~ Pres Reagan
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South Dakota Air & Space Museum – Exterior Exhibits

South Dakota Air & Space Museum – Exterior Exhibits

South Dakota Air & Space Museum – Exterior Exhibits

Journeys with EileenDiane

Located 7 miles east of Rapid City, SD, next to Ellsworth Air Force Base, this museum is a must see as you explore the Mt Rushmore area.

There are over 30 outdoor exhibits, including B-1B Lancer, B-29 Superfortress, B-52 Stratofortress, B-25 Mitchell (Eisenhower’s personal WWII transport) plus 3 missiles. There is detailed information about each aircraft.

It was a terrific experience, to walk about the aircraft, absorbing the history, amidst the beauty of the Black Hills.

Next post will be the terrific interior exhibits.

Savor your journeys.

 

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